Typology: Cultural landmark Scale: 10,700sqm Contracting authority: Suzhou authorities Main Stakeholders: I.M.Pei Architect; Suzhou Institute of Architectural Design Year: 2002-2006
The famous American architect I.M. Pei led the design of the new museum of his birth town, Suzhou. Nestled between historical canals and garden landmarks, the area illustrates the challenges of integrating modern elements into an ancient architectural urban background, following strict height and space limitations. A distinguishing feature of this project is its harmony with the surrounding context and area, which is in part thanks to selection of local and traditional materials.